introduction
Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies are simple, small cookies that bring warm memories to the table. They have a soft crumb, a light sweetness, and a dusting of powdered sugar that looks like fresh snow. Many families make them during the holidays and share them with neighbors and friends. These cookies are easy to make and good for bakers at any skill level.
If you enjoy trying different cookie styles, you might also like the nutty twist in almond butter chocolate chip cookies. That recipe gives you a change of texture and flavor while keeping the simple, home-baked feel.
Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies fit well into holiday cookie trays. They do not need fancy tools and they bake quickly. In this article, you will find clear steps, helpful tips, serving ideas, ways to store them, and answers to common questions.
Why You’ll Love This Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies
You will love these cookies for their soft center and gentle vanilla taste. They are lightly sweet, so they pair well with coffee or tea. The powdered sugar on top looks festive and gives them a classic holiday feel. These cookies use basic pantry ingredients that most people already have.
They are also forgiving. The dough is easy to mix, and the shaping does not need to be perfect. You can roll dough into small balls or use a cookie scoop. If you bake for family or a party, these cookies stack well and travel easily. They make a cozy gift when packed in a simple box or tin.
Why Make This Recipe
Make this recipe because it is fast, reliable, and comforting. You can whip up a batch in under an hour from start to finish. The ingredients are common and the method is straightforward, so it is a good choice when you want fresh cookies without stress.
This recipe also serves as a base. You can change the flavor a little by adding lemon zest, almond extract, or sprinkling cinnamon on the sugar. It is an adaptable cookie that still keeps the traditional feel of Italian Christmas baking.
What You Need for Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies
You need only a few tools:
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Electric mixer or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet(s)
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
For ingredients, see the full list in the next section. These cookies do not need special equipment or rare ingredients.
How to Make Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies
Follow these clear steps and you will have a batch of soft, tasty cookies.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Powdered sugar for dusting
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden.
- Allow to cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
How you mix matters. Start by creaming butter and sugar well so the dough is light. When you add flour, fold gently and do not overmix. Overmixing can make cookies tough. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion even sizes so they bake at the same speed. Flattening them slightly helps them bake evenly and gives the classic shape.
Best Ways to Serve Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies
Serve these cookies on a holiday cookie plate, with coffee or tea, or as a sweet end to a family meal. They also make a nice gift when wrapped in cellophane or packed in a tin. For a simple dessert plate, add a few fresh berries and a sprig of mint for color.
For parties, place them on a platter with other cookies of different shapes and flavors. Their mild taste pairs well with stronger cookies like chocolate or spiced varieties. Keep a small bowl of extra powdered sugar nearby so guests can add a little more if they like.
How to Store Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Place parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking. If you want to keep them longer, freeze baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving and dust with a little extra powdered sugar if needed.
If you store dough instead of baked cookies, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to 48 hours, or freeze for up to one month. When ready to bake, let frozen dough thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then portion and bake as usual.
Easy Tips to Make Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies
- Use room-temperature butter and eggs. They mix more evenly and give a better texture.
- Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling off the top. Too much flour makes dry cookies.
- Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes if it feels too soft; slightly chilled dough rolls and shapes more easily.
- Keep cookie sizes even using a scoop. Even sizes mean even baking.
- Watch the cookies near the end of the bake time. They should not brown too much; a light golden edge is perfect.
- Dust with powdered sugar when the cookies are fully cool to keep the sugar from melting.
Try These Variations of Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies
You can try small changes that add new flavors:
- Add 1 teaspoon lemon or almond extract instead of vanilla for a different scent.
- Mix in 1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (walnuts or almonds) for extra texture.
- Roll dough balls in granulated sugar before baking for a slight crunch.
- Press a small jam dollop into the center after flattening for a jam thumbprint version.
For more ideas on mixing flavors and baking different cookie types, try a fruit-spiced option like the apple-cinnamon oatmeal style found at apple cinnamon oatmeal cookies. That recipe shows how fruit and spice can change everyday cookies into something seasonal and special.
Common Questions About Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter?
A: You can, but butter gives better flavor and texture. Margarine may change the taste and make the cookie softer.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten free?
A: Yes. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend made for one-to-one baking. The texture may change slightly, so check the mix instructions on the blend and adjust as needed.
Q: How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?
A: Chill the dough for 15–30 minutes before baking. Also avoid greasing the baking sheet—use parchment paper instead. Even dough and proper measurement of flour help control spreading.
Q: Can I add cocoa to make chocolate cookies?
A: Yes. Replace 1/4 cup of flour with 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder and add a little more sugar if you like it sweeter. Watch baking time as cocoa can darken quickly.
Q: Can I freeze the dough balls before baking?
A: Yes. Freeze the shaped dough balls on a tray, then move them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
Final Thoughts
These Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies are a simple, old-fashioned treat that fits any holiday spread. They are easy to make, require few ingredients, and let you add small personal touches. They are perfect for beginners and experienced bakers who want a quick, classic cookie.
Ready to Give It a Try?
Gather your basic ingredients and try the recipe one time to see how it fits your taste. Small changes in flavor or garnishes can make the cookies feel new each year. Share them with family and friends and enjoy the cozy holiday moments they help create.
Conclusion
If you want more ideas and classic takes on Italian holiday cookies, you can see a helpful collection of recipes at Mangia Bedda’s collection of traditional Italian Christmas cookie recipes.
Print
Traditional Italian Christmas Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple, small cookies with a soft crumb, light sweetness, and a festive dusting of powdered sugar that captures the spirit of the holiday season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each ball slightly with the bottom of a glass.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges start to turn golden.
- Allow to cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
For variations, try adding lemon or almond extract or mixing in finely chopped nuts. Chill the dough if it’s too soft for easier rolling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg